In order to understand the book of Malachi a person needs to know to whom it was written. These people were fighting God and unwilling to trust Him or even listen to His messenger. Israel had just returned from exile and the nation of Edom was still in bondage to the Chaldeans. T …
While in prison Joseph met two people: the butler and the baker (vv. 1-4). The “butler†was the king’s cupbearer, and the “baker†cooked the king’s bread. Both had offended the king and been sent to prison. One morning, Joseph observed that the two men were very upset. He asked them …
When David’s scheme to have Uriah spend time with his wife failed he ordered Joab to send him to the front lines where he would be killed. The messenger reported to David the details of the battle (vv. 18-21). The Ammonites had pushed the Israelites back from the city. Joab, howe …
Psalm 122 begins with a group of excited pilgrims, singing as they make their ascent to the “City of God.†The thrones for judgment possibly refer to the courts of justice by the town gate (v. 5; See also Ruth 4:1-2, II Sam. 19:8, and Neh. 8:1). The psalmist prayed an intercessory prayer on …
The first eight verses give us details about Esau and his family; his wives who he chose from the women of Canaan (vv. 1-3), his sons (vv. 4-5), and his enormous wealth (vv. 6-8). Esau was Edom and the Edomites were his descendants. He had three wives, Adah, Oholibamah and Basemath …
In Matthew’s account of Jesus’ life here on earth he skips over the next 30 years or so and picks up with an introduction of John the Baptist (vv. 1-6). John is presented as the prophet sent in the spirit of Elijah “before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord” (Mal. 4:5). He was …
In the last chapter, we saw Abraham’s tragic mistake in trying to hasten the work of God. He was 86 when Ishmael was born and 99 when Isaac was born. However, before Isaac could be born, faith had to be exercised. This chapter explains how the covenant was received …
Solomon warns about two practices that lead to poverty. The first talks about unnecessary loss of what you have earned and the second deals with the inability to earn any money at all.Solomon is warning about a foolish financial entanglement referred to as surety (vv. 1-5). Suret …
This section of Scripture deals with restrictions and limitations concerning sacrifices. All sacrifices, whether made by Israelites or non Israelites, must be made without blemish (vv. 17-21). Nothing but perfect sacrifices should be offered to God. The prohibition of offer …
The psalmist describes how Israel was blessed of God over and over again and yet they rebelled against Him. The sin of idolatry appears and this wicked practice of the Canaanites was adopted by the people of the living God (vv. 59-60). Among the strategies God used to bring back …